Nuclear Power

By: Aathira and Grace

Most people have only heard of nuclear power but don’t know what it is. The thing is, all people should know at least some basic facts about nuclear power since it is be the most used electric power in the world.
Nuclear power is basically a method of generating electricity with uranium and without fossil fuels. First, nuclear power is generated with a mined metal; uranium. Second, it creates a nuclear fission and in a nuclear fission, the nucleus of the uranium splits in 2 and releases thermal energy. Third, the thermal energy boils water to make steam to turn a turbine and run the generator. Finally, the spinning generator changes from kinetic energy to electric energy.

Uranium

Uranium is a mined metal that is disappearing because it’s rare and hard to find. It is formed inside rocks of Earth’s crust. It provides a source of heat on Earth and has high density. The melting point is 1132 degrees Celsius. At least 50 kg of uranium is needed in the process of nuclear power. 1 ton of uranium produces 40 million kilowatts-hour of electricity.
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Nuclear Power in the World

We have a total of 400 nuclear power reactors worldwide. Out of this, there are 104 power reactors in the U.S, 3 power stations in South America with 4 reactors in all, 1 power station and 2 reactors in Koeberg, South Africa. In Australia there are no reactors at all. There are 186 power plants in Europe and there are 106 power plants in Europe. Nuclear Power produces around 6% of the world’s energy and 14% of the world’s electricity.

Amount of Electricity Produced by Nuclear Power

France	77.7
Slovakia	54.0
Belgium	54.0
Ukraine	47.2
Hungary	43.3
Slovenia	41.7
Switzerland	40.9
Sweden	39.6
Korea Rep.	34.6
Armenia	33.2
Czech Rep.	33.0
Bulgaria	32.6
Finland	31.6

Efficiency

Nuclear power is the most efficient electric power source compared to others. This is because the fuel prizes are decreasing and with little fuel, it can generate a lot of electricity. According to this chart, making nuclear power is cheaper than all other electric sources.

Costs for Nuclear Process

Uranium:	8.9kg*$146	$1,300
Conversion:	7.5kg*$13	$98
Enrichment:	7.3kg*$155	$1,132
Fuel Fabrication:	Per kg	$240
Total, Approximate:		$2770

Nuclear Costs

1995	3.0 million
1996	3.0 million
1997	3.0 million
1998	2.5 million
1999	2.5 million
2000	2.2 million
2001	2.2 million
2002	2.2 million
2003	2.1 million
2004	2.1 million
2005	2.1 million
2006	2.1 million
2007	2.1 million
2008	2.1 million

Benefits and Drawbacks

Advantages:

Cheap to make
Huge energy by little fuel
No air pollution
Less waste
Reliable
No carbon dioxide or smoke
Always available/no need to develop
High amount of energy let out by single plant

Disadvantages:

Dangerous-radioactive waste
Sealed underground to kill radioactivity
Expensive on safety
Nonrenewable
More nuclear power plants= probability of failure
Preferred genocidal area
Nuclear weapons can be built

Future of Nuclear Power

In the future, there will be 40 nuclear programs in the year 2046 in Brazil. There will be 500 nuclear programs in China at the year 2100. There will be 73 nuclear programs in 2030 in France. There will be plenty more in other countries too. This is the future widespread of Nuclear Power if the present sequence of programs continues. However, does this mean that nuclear power will be sustainable in the future? Well, for one thing, uranium is a common metal that is not renewable. This means uranium will one day be gone. In fact, it is estimated that we will run out of uranium in the space of 30-60 years. America, with 104 power plants, generates 20% of their electricity and it will come to a bigger percentage in the future. This is because we are hurrying to build power stations. If we take it slow, nuclear power can last a long time. There is a scarcity in uranium now. If we don’t use it wisely, nuclear power can be gone in the space of another 60 years. So based on our information, nuclear power will be more widespread in the future but it won't be a sustaining energy.

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